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Animal Trainer Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zoom Room Winter Park

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Intern - Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer

Winter Park, FL · On-site

$15/hr

... Training Intern to assist our professional training team. This role offers a unique opportunity to ... College students looking for a career in animal services are highly encouraged to apply. Successful ...

Zoom Room Winter Park

Be Seen First

Intern - Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer

Winter Park, FL · On-site

$15/hr

... Training Intern to assist our professional training team. This role offers a unique opportunity to ... College students looking for a career in animal services are highly encouraged to apply. Successful ...

Farm Sanctuary

Intern, Animal Care

Watkins Glen, NY · On-site

$16/hr

An Animal Care intern's responsibilities can range from supporting caregivers in daily health ... training, and interactions with the communities we serve. We believe that diversity, equity, and ...

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Animal Trainer Intern information

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect during an Animal Trainer Intern position?

As an Animal Trainer Intern, you will typically assist with daily animal care routines such as feeding, cleaning habitats, and monitoring animal health. You'll also observe and participate in training sessions, helping to reinforce desired behaviors using positive reinforcement. Interns often help prepare training materials, document animal progress, and may interact with visitors or clients under supervision. This hands-on role provides exposure to both the behavioral and logistical aspects of animal training, and you’ll work closely with experienced trainers and other animal care staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Trainer Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Trainer Intern, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, patience, and a genuine interest in animal care, often supported by coursework in animal science or biology. Familiarity with training tools, safety equipment, and observation or record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are important soft skills to effectively support trainers and ensure animal welfare. These skills are crucial for creating a safe, positive learning environment for both animals and handlers while contributing to successful training outcomes.

What is the difference between Animal Trainer Intern vs Animal Trainer?

AspectAnimal Trainer InternAnimal Trainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience or coursework in animal behaviorRelevant certifications (e.g., CPDT-KA), experience in animal training
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in zoos, aquariums, or training facilitiesFull-time employment in similar environments with more responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with training tasks, observing trainers, gaining experienceDesigning and implementing training programs, managing animals independently

In summary, an Animal Trainer Intern is a learning role focused on gaining experience and assisting trainers, while an Animal Trainer is a full-fledged professional responsible for training animals independently. Interns typically have fewer credentials and responsibilities compared to full trainers.

What are Animal Trainer Interns?

Animal Trainer Interns are individuals who assist professional animal trainers in caring for and training animals, often as part of a structured internship program. Their responsibilities may include feeding, cleaning, observing animal behavior, assisting with training sessions, and maintaining records. Interns gain hands-on experience working with animals in settings such as zoos, aquariums, shelters, or entertainment venues. This role is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in animal care, behavior, or training, and provides valuable learning and networking opportunities.
What cities are hiring for Animal Trainer Intern jobs? Cities with the most Animal Trainer Intern job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Trainer jobs? The most popular types of Animal Trainer jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Trainer Intern jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Trainer Intern jobs include:
Animal Trainer Intern jobs near you
Intern - Animal Training (Pinnipeds) - Fall 2026

Intern - Animal Training (Pinnipeds) - Fall 2026

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Georgia Aquarium rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 34 rated wildlife parks and zoos

Job description

Position Title: Animal Training (Pinnipeds) Intern - Fall 2026
Department: Sea Lions - Pinnipeds - 3290
Classification: Non-Exempt
Employee Type: INT - Intern
Direct Report: Manager, Animal Training (Pinnipeds)
Position Summary:
The program offers interns hands-on experience in Georgia Aquarium's Animal Training - Pinniped Department. Interns are exposed to animal husbandry and training activities related to California sea lions and harbor seals. Interns work directly with animal trainers to support the daily care of the collection and learn the fundamentals of animal training. This internship will give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields where they are considering pursuing careers.
Responsibilities:
Interns will:
  1. Be paired with Animal Training - Pinniped Department to learn about operant conditioning with California sea lions and harbor seals for public presentations, enrichment, and husbandry programs.
  2. Learn and participate in area responsibilities directly benefiting the animals, which include but not limited to diet preparation and feeding, water sampling, commissary clean-up, exhibit/area maintenance, behavioral observations, environmental enrichment, data recording and data entry and other duties as assigned. Interns may also play support roles in assisting with animal training and husbandry sessions.
  3. Be supervised by approved staff at all times during their program but will greatly benefit from demonstrating the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  4. Partake in departmental intern development curriculum, including but not limited to natural history, theories of animal behavior, fish handling, safety, and a diverse lecture series presented by intern mentors. Each intern must demonstrate proficiency in every module by completing written exams, tests, and quizzes.

Qualifications:
  1. Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  2. This internship requires a regular schedule of 40 hours per week and may include weekends and holidays.
  3. Must have an interest or major in animal science, biology, zoology, psychology, or related field.
  4. Must have a high school diploma or GED.
  5. This is a paid internship with the goal of gaining work related animal career experience.
  6. Application Requirement: The internship application will require a resume and cover letter. Please submit as a PDF with a file name that indicates your name and the internship you're applying for. Example: John_Smith_Internship_Resume.

Important Dates for Fall 2026 Semester:
Application Deadline: Friday, July 17th. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and may close before the official deadline.
Mandatory Fall 2026 Orientation: Thursday, October 1st, 2026.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; kneel; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and work around saltwater. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position requires direct contact with raw seafood.
Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and Aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Respect, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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